Two opportunities for Ventura County writers to learn more about the craft and the world of publishing are coming up in the next couple of weeks.
In the first, editor Dennis Mathis will discuss his working relationship with author Sandra Cisneros. Mathis will speak at an October 27 dinner/lecture co-hosted by the Small Publishers, Artists, and Writers Network (SPAWN) and the Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC) at Mimi’s Café on Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks.
Sandra Cisneros, who was recently awarded a National Medal of Arts, has described Mathis as her “literary mentor” and “lifelong editor.” Mathis will discuss the crafting of Cisneros’ breakthrough novel, The House on Mango Street. Dinner starts at 6:30; the meeting at 7 p.m. Learn more about the dinner from this link.
SPAWN is also a co-sponsor of the second opportunity, the 805 Writers’ Conference on November 5 and 6 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ventura. The sixth annual 805 conference offers two days of opportunities to learn from and chat with industry professionals from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of specialities. You can come for two full days, for one day, or just register for your individual sessions.
Sessions on Saturday focus on the business of writing, including how to find super fans to drive book sales; understanding contracts, copyrights, and other legal matters; and writing the grabber query letter. Sunday sessions will help you master the craft of writing. The weekend also includes half-day workshops for fiction or memoir, poetry, and article writing.
In addition, you can dine with a publishing pro or schedule a free consultation with an editor. Check out the 805 website to get full details about the schedule and register to attend.
And be sure and drop by and see me at the SPAWN booth on Saturday.
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